Project time: 12 hoursTools:
Standard garden tools
20 wire coat hangers
Wire cutters
Recycled garden hose
Spray paint
Green gravel
Colored recycled glass
Slag glass
Mulch
Artistic elements
Plant materials
The modern carpet garden has a long and fascinating history. The origin of the garden dates back hundreds of years, to Persia. Often taking decades to create, these ground-hugging, water-hungry gardens were considered a huge luxury in the desert climate of the Middle East, and soon became a hallmark of the aristocracy. The desire for these living works of art was so strong and the ability of create them, due to climate, was so limited that they often became the design element for Persian carpets.Victorians also loved the idea of ground-hugging gardens and continued to keep the concept of the carpet garden popular. As a result, carpet gardens have been crucial to the design of some of the world's more formal gardens. A most unique element is part of the carpet garden design: it is designed to be seen from a balcony, balustrade or any high vantage point.
In this episode of Weekend Gardening, host Maureen Gilmer uses design software to give the carpet garden a more modern application, using both retro and modern elements. The result is a carpet garden that uses both ground-hugging and vertical plants for texture and height, and incorporates colorful artistic elements for a bold, updated look appropriate for a backyard or rooftop garden. The plants used in this California garden are suited to a warm climate. Check your local nurseries, garden centers and the DIY web site for plants compatible with your climate and planting zone.
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